Orthodontics FAQ

information on orthodontic treatment

Why Orthodontics?

The decision to undergo orthodontic treatment is a personal one. Some people are lucky enough to have naturally straight teeth. Others don’t mind if their teeth are malaligned. Sometimes orthodontic treatment is necessary to improve function and health of the mouth. Often the treatment is sought to improve the appearance of the smile. Everyone has different priorities and a different budget. The good news is that we can usually offer you a number of different treatment options and you can choose the one most suited to your individual needs.

When is the best time to begin orthodontics?

Although an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result with the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age seven. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?

Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development preventing serious problems later.

Why is age 7 considered the optimum time for screening?

By age seven, the first adult molars erupt establishing the back bite. During this time an orthodontist can evaluate front to back and side to side tooth relationships, for example the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, openbite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screenings increases the chances for an incredible smile.

Can orthodontic treatment do for adults what it does for children?

Yes. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children. Orthodontic forces move the teeth in the same way for both adults and children, but adult treatment may take longer due to the maturity of the bone. Complicating factors, such as lack of jaw growth, may create different treatment planning needs for the adult. This is why a consultation with an orthodontist, the dental specialist who aligns teeth and jaws of patients of all ages, is essential.

What is interceptive orthodontic treatment?

Interceptive orthodontic treatment is performed for problems that, if left untreated, could lead to the development of more serious dental problems over time. The goal is to reduce the severity of a developing problem and eliminate the cause. The length of later comprehensive orthodontic treatment may be reduced. Examples of this kind of orthodontic treatment may include correction of thumb- and finger-sucking habits; guiding permanent teeth into desired positions through tooth removal or tooth size adjustment; or gaining or holding space for permanent teeth. Interceptive orthodontic treatment can take place when patients have primary teeth or mixed dentition (baby and permanent teeth). A patient may require more than one phase of interceptive orthodontic treatment.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?

Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development preventing serious problems later.

Why is age 7 considered the optimum time for screening?

By age seven, the first adult molars erupt establishing the back bite. During this time an orthodontist can evaluate front to back and side to side tooth relationships, for example the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, openbite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screenings increases the chances for an incredible smile.

Can orthodontic treatment do for adults what it does for children?

Yes. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children. Orthodontic forces move the teeth in the same way for both adults and children, but adult treatment may take longer due to the maturity of the bone. Complicating factors, such as lack of jaw growth, may create different treatment planning needs for the adult. This is why a consultation with an orthodontist, the dental specialist who aligns teeth and jaws of patients of all ages, is essential.

What is interceptive orthodontic treatment?

Interceptive orthodontic treatment is performed for problems that, if left untreated, could lead to the development of more serious dental problems over time. The goal is to reduce the severity of a developing problem and eliminate the cause. The length of later comprehensive orthodontic treatment may be reduced. Examples of this kind of orthodontic treatment may include correction of thumb- and finger-sucking habits; guiding permanent teeth into desired positions through tooth removal or tooth size adjustment; or gaining or holding space for permanent teeth. Interceptive orthodontic treatment can take place when patients have primary teeth or mixed dentition (baby and permanent teeth). A patient may require more than one phase of interceptive orthodontic treatment.

What is comprehensive orthodontic treatment?

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is undertaken for problems that involve alignment of the teeth, how the jaws function and how the top and bottom teeth fit together. The goal of comprehensive orthodontic treatment is to correct the
identified problem and restore the occlusion (the bite) to its optimum. Treatment can begin while patients have primary teeth, when they have a mix of primary and permanent teeth, or when all permanent teeth are in. Treatment may consist of one or more phases, depending on the nature of the problem being corrected and the goals for treatment.
Orthodontic care may be coordinated with other types of dental treatment that may include oral surgery (tooth extractions or jaw surgery), periodontal (gum) care and restorative (fillings, crowns, bridges, tooth size enhancement, implants) dental care. When finished with comprehensive treatment, the patient must wear retainers to keep teeth in their new positions.

What is a space maintainer?

Baby molar teeth, also known as primary molar teeth, hold needed space for permanent teeth that will come in later. When a baby molar tooth is lost, an orthodontic device with a fixed wire is usually put between teeth to hold the space for the permanent tooth.

Why do baby teeth sometimes need to be removed?

Removing baby teeth may be necessary to allow severely crowded permanent teeth to come in at a normal time in a reasonably normal location. If the teeth are severely crowded, it may be that some unerupted permanent teeth (usually the canine teeth) will either remain impacted (teeth that should come in, but do not), or come in to a highly undesirable position. To allow severely crowded teeth to move on their own into much more desirable positions, sequential removal of baby teeth and permanent teeth (usually first premolars) can dramatically improve a severe crowding problem. This sequential extraction of teeth, called serial extraction, is typically followed by comprehensive orthodontic treatment after eruption of permanent teeth has brought about as much improvement as it can on its own. After all the permanent teeth have come in, the extraction of selected permanent teeth may be necessary to correct crowding or to make space for necessary tooth movement to correct a bite problem. Proper extraction of teeth during orthodontic treatment should leave the patient with both excellent function and a pleasing look.

Can my child play sports while wearing braces?

Yes. But wearing a protective mouth guard is advised while riding a bike, skating, or playing any contact sports, whether organized sports or a neighborhood game. Your orthodontist can recommend a specific mouth guard.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

Playing wind or brass instruments, such as the trumpet, will clearly require some adaptation to braces. With practice and a period of adjustment, braces typically do not interfere with the playing of musical instruments.

Why does orthodontic treatment time sometimes last longer than anticipated?

Estimates of treatment time can only be that - estimates. Patients grow at different rates and will respond in their own ways to orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist has specific treatment goals in mind, and will usually continue treatment until these goals are achieved. Patient cooperation, however, is the single best predictor of staying on time with treatment. Patients who cooperate by wearing rubber bands, headgear or other needed appliances as directed, while taking care not to damage appliances, will most often lead to on-time and excellent treatment results.

What is patient cooperation and how important is it during orthodontic treatment?

Good “patient cooperation” means that the patient not only follows the orthodontist’s instructions on wearing appliances as prescribed and tending to oral hygiene and diet, but is also an active partner in orthodontic treatment. Successful orthodontic treatment is a “two-way street” that requires a consistent, cooperative effort by both the orthodontist and patient. To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient
must carefully clean his or her teeth, wear rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescribed by the orthodontist, avoid foods that might damage braces and keep appointments as scheduled. Damaged appliances can lengthen the treatment time and may undesirably affect the outcome of treatment. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their desired positions if the patient consistently wears the forces to the teeth, such as rubber bands, as prescribed. Patients who do their part consistently make themselves look good and their orthodontist look smart. To keep teeth and gums healthy, regular visits to the family dentist must continue during orthodontic treatment.

What is two-phase treatment?

Two-phase treatment simply means that the treatment is carried out in two stages. The first is the interceptive orthodontic phase (see above) and the second is the comprehensive orthodontic phase (see above).

Some of my children’s friends have already started treatment, but our orthodontist says my child should wait a while. Why is there a difference in treatment?

Each treatment plan is specific for that child and his/her specific problem. In some cases, children mature early (e.g.: get their permanent teeth early) and in some cases early treatment is indicated to prevent a more severe problem from occurring. Your orthodontist is the best person to decide the most optimum treatment plan. If you have questions, you should discuss them with your orthodontist.

What do the initials mean after an orthodontist’s name?

First ensure your orthodontist is an orthodontist! Check the register of orthodontic specialists www.dentalcouncil.ie. MDent Sc (Orth) indicates a Masters in Science degree, usually associated with orthodontic training. M.Orth indicates the individual is an orthodontist and has passed a membership exam at the Royal College of Surgeons in the UK.

My child has an allergy to nickel. Can my child still have orthodontic treatment?

Yes, there are appliances available which are nickel-free. Please tell your orthodontist if your child has any allergies.

How can I fit the orthodontist’s fee into my family budget?

Orthodontic costs and payment options will be discussed at your first visit. We offer a number of interest free payment options and except all major credit and debit card